It’s the final round of the 145th Open Championship and it has come down to Henrik Stenson (-12) and Phil Mickelson (-11), who have taken the tournament by storm with their long iron play and cheeky abilities around the green. They have separated themselves from the rest of the field by limiting their mistakes with smart play and taking advantage of their chances with some unbelievable short game. It's a two horse SHOWDOWN.
The Two Contenders:
Henrik Stenson (-12)
When it comes to Henrik, he has stuck to his reliable three wood that he just hammers straight down the fairway with tremendous force and accuracy. He has been able to capitalize on the shorter front side by hitting pure irons through the whipping winds. He has been able to handle the winds better than anyone this week. He is six under through three rounds on one of the hardest back nines in the world, especially when the winds are making it feel like a 4000 yard nine. The rest of the field is six over on the back nine through the first three rounds of the tournament. Royal Troon seems to set up perfectly for his game, where he can just pure long irons into the center of these narrow greens, while limiting his mistakes off the tee. In order for him to capture his first major title, he will need continue to do what he has done this whole tournament; Stenson must stay composed under the pressure of the Open's glory and focus on the next shot at hand. He has been known to crumble under the pressure (the Houston Open and the HSBC earlier this year). However, if he continues to hit his three wood with such accuracy, he will be able to mitigate the mistakes that these narrow greens and the surrounding pot bunkers can offer, and finally be able to capture his first major. Another major key for Henrik, his putter. If he starts rolling well, I am not sure if the Ol' lefty even has a chance.
Phil Mickelson (-11)
Oh Phil, his magic is in full effect this week. By no means has his tee to green been the prettiest however his crafty, self-made, short game has been as good as its ever been. Some of his bunker shots just make you shake your head. And when it comes to sundays at majors, Throughout his career, Phil has been known to take risks, especially on Sunday's of major. Just think back to the 2010 Masters, at the par 5 13th, where he took a five iron and hit it 230 yards from the pine straw, through the trees, over the creek, to about five feet from the hole. Then at the 2013 Open, on 5, from the thick stuff, chopping it out of there to about ten feet, the shot that started his roll to a final round 66 and his first Open Championship. Phil is my bet, not just because there hasn't been someone from outside of the United States to lift the claret chug at Royal Troon since 1950 (Bobby Locke), but because I believe in his composure through his years of experience in these same positions as well as his short game that seems to always stand out when he has the most to lose...and I am guessing he has at least $100 million on himself this week.
This should be fun.
Player to Watch:
Andrew "Beef" Johnston (-5)
By far the fan favorite (he's from London, UK) and how can't you love that barbaric beard of his
He kind of reminds me of someone...
...And I think he enjoys his nickname
